TURNER — Nezinscot Farm, located atop a hill overlooking a river, is home to many cows, goats, sheep, horses, llamas, chickens and donkeys. The farm, the state’s first organic dairy, owned by Gloria Varney with husband, Gregg, is also inspiration for her first book, “The Painted Turtle.”

It is the story of the restless ghost of a young man and his painted turtle friend, a talkative llama named Bernice, a border collie named Willy Nelson and their efforts to help these special spirits finish their journey in life. The book is whimsically illustrated by Maine artist Mark Durbin.

Varney will give a reading and book signing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Books N Things in Norway.

With the help of their five children and a handful of hired hands, the Varneys run a farm and fiber store, a cheese-making operation and the state’s only organic grain bagging company.

“The Painted Turtle” is available at the farm, online at nezinscotfarm.com and at some local bookstores.